Arizona Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain has died, according to a statement from his office. He was 81.
McCain served six terms as the GOP senator and on Friday announced he was discontinuing medical treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer. McCain was long known for his military service as a war hero, a presidential nominee, running against then-Senator Barack Obama in 2008.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran issued a statement following the news of McCain’s passing:
“John McCain was a true American hero, whose sense of duty to our nation led to a lifetime of dedicated public service. First as a naval aviator serving in Vietnam, his honor led him to refuse early release ahead of his fellow American POWs. Then as a member of Congress and presidential candidate, John remained steadfast in his principles, always seeking to do what he thought was in our nation’s best interest. There has been no better advocate for our servicemembers and veterans than John and it was an honor to work closely with him on achieving the most significant VA reform Congress has passed in decades with the VA MISSION Act. This could not have been possible without his leadership and knowledge, and it was fitting that the bill was named after him.”
McCain’s experience as a prisoner of war in Vietnam made him a leading voice against the use of torture. He achieved his biggest legislative successes when making alliances with Democrats.
McCain was just four days shy of his 82nd birthday.
